This is one of my all time favorites and easily one of the BEST novels you can find online! Extremely well written, with impeccable pacing, interesting and realist setting and extraordinary characterization (Kaz, particularly, is a beautifully drawn and complex character: introverted, driven, obsessive and emotionally inexperienced). M.Ryan is a very talented writer and it's a shame she doesn't write anymore. This is a definitely A MUST READ! - Anonymous - Apr-21-2009   

this story is on my top 10 list, its one of my favorites. Great characters that are real and you feel what they are going through and hope for the best. you must read this, you won't regret it. - dalila - Apr-21-2009   

I apologise, if here is the wrong place to mention this:

The author has a web page (which hasn't been updated for 9 years), where there is a short story - Seventeen Minutes - and an unfinished sequel - Shell Game - from the same 'verse to be found.
http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/Satellite/6813/

Just be warned as far as I have heard M Ryan doesn't write anymore. - M. - Apr-22-2009   

Extremely well written story. One of the best I've read on the site. Hopefully there will be more.... - Anonymous - Apr-23-2009   

Whatever it is, this sure is a well written story, luv it. Well done M.Ryan. Can't wait for more.. - easteden - May-22-2009   

Loved it! Great buildup of the relationship between Kaz and Chris. Wonderful portrayal of the excitement of live news coverage, I eagerly read to see what Chris would get into next. Great job! Hopefully we get to read more! - 1234 - Oct-01-2009   

I enjoyed this story immensely. Nicely written, great characters. I also liked the short story with these two as well. I look forward to future stories from M. Ryan! - juliemania - Oct-01-2009   

This is my new favorite of favorites story - Anonymous - Oct-02-2009   

A very character-driven story, well written and engaging. I hope to see more from this author soon. - Rae - Oct-02-2009   

One of the best stories ever. Hopefully, one day she'll finish the sequel. - Anonymous - Oct-06-2009   

This is by far one of the very best stories you will have the pleasure to read for free. It's a pity the author has not continued, such a talented writer. - Brighteyez08 - Oct-11-2009   

I love this story. It is very well written - interesting and funny. I highly recommend it. - seventhfrench - Oct-13-2009   

Absolutely LOVE THIS STORY!!!!!... Must read this!!! - Texas_wild - Oct-19-2009   

I can't count how many times I've read this. The chemistry, the pacing makes you read it without noticing how much time has past. The best part is of course Laura's and Chris' relationship. It just developed naturally and they are so cute together.

P.S: If I remember correctly there was a sequel. Does anyone has a link?

---email address deleted--- [Editor's Note: Please do not post your e-mail addy in our recommendation.] - lectra - Jun-20-2010   

I really enjoyed this story. The characters are great and it's lovely watching their relationship develop. Well worth reading. - Lyn B - Jan-06-2011   

So glad someone recommended this gem of a story. It's excellent. One of my new favorites. Read and enjoy. M Ryan is a fantastic author. Wish she had more stories posted. - colorado fan - Jan-22-2011   

This is my very, very favorite Uber read of all time. I've read it again and again and enjoy it just as much on every read. What fun! - L.A. Tucker - Jul-01-2011   

Great story. There is a sequel title "Shell Game" at http://www.ausxip.com/fanfic9/shell_game1.html

It should have its own entry here on the Athenaeum under the author's name. - Nada - Jul-22-2011   

love it! love it! love it! one of the best! :)
- ckgirl - Dec-13-2011   

Wonderful read! Characters, especially Kaz, are lovely and complex. I just wish the sequel was complete! - e - Dec-14-2011   

This book was really good. I enjoyed it alot. The characters were well written. The story line was decently believable. I enjoyed it! - Stonewalldog - Sep-12-2012   

Excellent story with great characters that make you yearn for more. Like those reviewers above, I've read "The Deal" more than once, loving the more believable pacing, trials and tribulations to the central relationship, and the secondary characters in the story. After rereading it and the unfinished sequel (Shell Game)last year, I emailed the author to thank her for her work thus far and reassure her that even 13 years later I would love to read more about Kaz & Chris. I'm pleased to say the email worked and WHO KNOWS... one day M Ryan just might pick up the tale of Burkitt Falls television. - HOJ - May-26-2013   

Hello everyone out there in the cyber world. This story is one not to pass by. It's fast paced and the author kept me up all the hours of the day and night to finish reading. Can't wait to read the sequel and for the person who recommended it last. Thank you! I did enjoy it. - Katie of Ohio - Jun-06-2013   

This story is so good. One of my all time favorites. - Anonymous - Jul-11-2013   

This story is so good. One of my all time favorites. - Anonymous - Jul-11-2013   

This story is so good. One of my all time favorites. - Anonymous - Jul-11-2013   

This story is so good. One of my all time favorites. - Anonymous - Jul-11-2013   

This story is so good. One of my all time favorites. - Anonymous - Jul-11-2013   

This story is one of my favorites of all time. So good. - Anonymous - Jul-11-2013   

This story is one of my favorites of all time. So good. - Anonymous - Jul-11-2013   

This story is one of my favorites of all time. So good. - Anonymous - Jul-11-2013   

This story is one of my favorites of all time. So good. - Anonymous - Jul-11-2013   

A good read - Ash K - Dec-25-2014   

This is a great story with humor and realism. It also is a fun behind-the-scenes look at a workplace most don't see. Thanks! - Anonymous - Dec-29-2014   

This is one of my favourite reads love to see a follow up - Anonymous - Apr-16-2015   

Such a great story so different than most story's here not to many written with golf as the sport well done - Anonymous - Oct-08-2015   

Wonderful! This is a one of my favorites! It bears up over repeated reading. - Anonymous - Aug-28-2016   

Really enjoyed the TV and Golf back drop. Great characters. Just the right amount of drama to keep you turning the pages :). I had to track down the sequel to see what happens next. This is a very good author. Highly recommend. - colorado fan - Sep-04-2016   

Loved the story, it was well paced and easy to read. You will love this story, put it on your reading list. Brilliant writer. - Anna28Carm - Sep-04-2016   

One of my favorites! - Beckek1 - Jun-10-2019